Breeding cattle in Pacółtowo

Our farm in Pacólłtowo continues to breed Charolaise and Limousine cattle. About 1000 ha of meadows and grasslands is used for pasturing. Our animals are subject to the supervision of the Polish Association of Breeders and Producers of Beef Cattle. Below you will find a description of the races of cattle we breed.

Charolaise

Charolaise cattle was bred in central France, in the region of Saone et Loire, and is derived directly from the working cattle in the vicinity of Charolaise. Since 1920, the Charolaise cattle is used only as the source for meat. The race gained international recognition and praise after World War II, primarily as a male component in cross-breeding. It was first brought to Poland in 1961. The Charolaise cattle have massive bone structure and are the largest of French races. Cows weigh up to 950, while adult bulls weigh up to 1,400 kg. The heaviest specimens weigh more than 1,500 kg. Calves are usually born weighing about 40 - 45 kg, while an inadequate prenatal nutrition may lead to calves weighing over 60 kg at birth. Large calves are responsible for difficult births which are often the case with this breed. Charolaise Cattle takes much time to mature and its fertility is usually lower than that of other races. However, a significant advantages of this race are: ability to grow outstanding musculature and the risk for carcass to become overly fat is very low.

Charolaise cattle raised on our farm has the following features:
- Pelage white or cream, without patches;
- Mucosal membrane is of white and slight pinkish color;
- Short and muscular neck, not much stressed dewlap;
- Deep chest / side rounded with visible shoulder blades;
- Horizontal and muscular spine;
- Slightly blurred outline of hips, which are very wide;
- Croup is very wide and finishes at the same height as the spine;
- Short and very stable limbs, without excessive thinness;
- Skin and coat of medium thickness, but very delicate;
- ability to gain high body weight without the risk of too much fat;
- requires a rich diet.
A strong point of Charolaise race is the maternal instinct of cows: large milk production and overall care for the calves. On our farm we record about 85% of calves have a non-problematic growth. They have an unparalleled ability to breed and grow (about 1300 g/day). They also easily adapt to the environment. They have the ability to deposit fat which is beneficial in times of drought (which sometimes occurs in Poland)

Limousine

Limousine breed has its native land in central regions of France: Limousin and Marche – with a harsh climate and rocky terrain. Massive and powerful animals for long time were used as a pulling force, and at the end of their life - assigned to the slaughter. The first export of specimens belonging to this particular race took place in the end of the nineteenth century, with recipients being Brazil and Argentina. Today it is one of the most popular breeds of meat in the world, raised in over 60 countries. Limousine cattle is popular due to its versatility in many areas.

Cows weigh on average 650 kg and are about 135 cm tall at the withers. Bulls weigh more than 900 pounds and are about 145 cm tall at the withers. Adult animals have a large amount of muscle, while fat and bone in their bodies is low in comparison to other races. Births in this race usually take place without human assistance and calves are born relatively small. This race is resistant to adverse environmental conditions and can be used both extensively and intensively. The animals mature early and they have highly developed herd instinct. Their energetic temperament helps to protect calves against predators but it can also be a problem while working with a man. Limousine cattle is very “economic” – it perfectly uses fodder produced at the farm. Our animals are characterized by high fertility and outstanding results when it comes to meat production. They enjoy an excellent reputation with both breeders (bulls grow very fast, cows are prolific, also when cross-breeding – on average they give birth to 8 calves and long-lived – 8-11 years) and meat processing plants (outstanding quality of carcass and meat).

Due to the large population the Limousine cattle breed is genetically diverse, which makes it easy to access many new genetic lines. One of them is the cross between LM and CHL, which results in perfect hybrids with high daily increments of up to 2.5 kg per day. The demand for such hybrids is growing. Our animals are subject to supervision by the Polish Association of Breeders and Producers of Beef Cattle.